The Dutchess County Fair [Paperback]

Molly Ahearn (Author), Molly Ahearn (photographer) (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 9, 2007

Eighty-two contemporary black & white photographs by documentary photographer Molly Ahearn, plus maps, antique historical photographs and memorabilia, bring to life this delightful history of the Dutchess County (New York) Fair, an annual highlight of the Hudson River Valley summer season since 1842, with almost half a million visitors now passing through its gates each year, making it the 2nd-largest agricultural event in NYS. Author Ahearn traces 166 years of fair history with such highlights as visits by Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, NYS governors Thomas Dewey and Averill Harriman, a "Talent Search" that discovered singer/songwriter Don McLean, and a colorful cast of stunt performers, snake charmers, "hootchy-kootchy" girls, and carney side-show acts. Photographer Ahearn captures the timeless memories of the fair--farm kids showing their animals and sleeping beside them in the tents, zany and hilarious sights on the midway, a draught-horse team thundering by, pig races, elephant rides, and summer fun as American as milkshakes and Ferris Wheel rides.

Editorial Reviews

Review

In my youth, I met many enlightened and idiosyncratic artists and thinkers along the Hudson River. Nothing like this has happened to me since and I treasure this time in my life because of these people. --Don McLean

Molly Ahearn definitely wins the blue ribbon for this wonderful account! --Michael Christensen, co-founder of the Big Apple Circus

About the Author

Molly Ahearn has been photographing personally and professionally for more than 20 years. Long term personal photo essays include the Dutchess County Fair, Rodeo Cowgirls and Disappearing Farms of Westchester County. In 2006, Ahearn s images of the Dutchess County Fair were the subject of two exhibitions. Her photographs have been published in several publications including Bioscience, Inside Out and Taconic Weekend. Professional assignments include documentary photography for Saint Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie, NY, documentary work for the Institute of Ecosystem Studies in Millbrook, NY, and a broad variety of studio and portrait assignments. She will serve her third year as a judge for the amateur photography competition at the Dutchess County fair in August 2007. A member of the Rhinebeck Arts & Culture Commission, she is working hard to encourage the growth of arts opportunities in northern Dutchess County. Ahearn studied at the International Center of Photography in New York City and worked as assistant to acclaimed Magnum photographer Bruce Davidson on his personal photo essay of Central Park as well as his professional assignments.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Black Dome Press Corp. (July 9, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883789559
• ISBN-13: 978-1883789558
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,436,504 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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